Classroom Explorations:
Characteristics of Life
Introduction: Cellular Structure and Function
All organisms are made of cells. Complex organisms (such as humans) are made up of collections of highly specialized cells, each with its own specific function. Different types of cells have evolved specific shapes and properties that help them do their jobs inside the organism.
In this video, organelles (chloroplasts and mitochondria) move within
Elodea densa
leaf cells.
Elodea
are common freshwater aquarium plants.
An
elodea
leaf was mounted in pondwater between a slide and coverslip with a silicon spacer. Images were taken on an inverted compound microscope using a 40x DIC objective and digital camera.